Frequently Asked Questions
Photo Credit: Jordan Perrett Mojave Rattlesnake
Questions for Rattlesnake aversion
1. What am I paying for?
You’re investing in over 15 years of professional dog training and behavior experience, plus a lifetime of reptile handling and snake behavior knowledge. This isn’t just obedience—it’s specialized safety training using live snakes in a controlled setting.
2. Is this training guaranteed to work?
No training can guarantee a dog will avoid all snakes in every situation. What we do provide is the strongest foundation possible: real-world exposure, clear learning, and a rehearsed avoidance response that could save your dog’s life.
3. Will my dog be shocked?
Yes. We use e-collar aversion training because it’s fast, effective, and clear when used by experienced professionals. The stimulation is brief and precisely timed to create a lasting association between snakes and avoidance. The shock feels like the equivalent to a static shock, its surprising but not painful.
4. Can I stay with my dog during training?
Absolutely—we encourage it. Observing your dog’s body language and reactions helps you reinforce the training later. You’ll learn just as much as your dog.
5. Are the snakes venomous? Is it safe?
Yes, we use live rattlesnakes. They are kept in secure, escape-proof containers. Dogs never come into physical contact with the snake, and the setup is designed for total safety.
6. Do you offer refreshers?
Yes—and they’re free.
Once your dog has trained with us, you’re welcome to come back for no-cost follow-up sessions. We want the behavior to stick and the safety to last.
7. What if my dog is shy, reactive, or has behavior issues?
We have extensive experience with dogs of all temperaments. We’ll adjust the training approach to fit your dog and create a calm, successful experience.
8. What age should dogs be for training?
We begin training dogs between 6 and 9 months of age. At this stage, they’re mentally mature enough to process the training but still early enough to create long-term habits.
9. Can I bring more than one dog?
Yes—but we do not offer multi-dog discounts unless it’s a private session. Dogs are trained individually and spaced apart for safety and focus.
10. Can you come to my home or ranch?
Yes! We offer mobile sessions for private clients and small private groups throughout Otero County and nearby areas.
Should I get the rattlesnake vaccine for my dog?
We do not recommend the rattlesnake vaccine due to lack of proof that it has a positive impact on bites.
There’s a lot of confusion around the rattlesnake vaccine.
While it’s intended to stimulate antibodies, current expert consensus does not show clear evidence that it reduces severity or improves outcomes.Many dogs have had adverse reactions to the vaccine. -We are not anti vaccine- this one just cannot be studied thoroughly enough to be effective.
Even vaccinated dogs can still experience full envenomation.
This doesn’t mean it’s a wrong choice: it just shouldn’t be relied on as protection.
👉 A bite is always an emergency
👉 Prevention is your dog’s best defense
What to Do if You See a Snake in Your Yard
Stay calm and give the snake space
Visit our snake ID page to determine what species it is.
Keep kids and pets away
Watch from a safe distance
Use a gentle spray of water from a hose to encourage it to move on
Do not try to handle or kill it (this is when most bites happen)
If the snake doesn’t leave or you feel unsafe → Call a professional for humane removal